BNP leader urges immediate election date announcement

The central general secretary of  Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) Krishak Dal, Shahidul Islam Khan Babul, has called for the immediate announcement of the election date, urging the government to abandon all deceptive tactics and manipulations. 

He made this appeal on Saturday during the bi-annual conference of Dasmina Upazila Krishak Dal at the Begum Arefatunnesa Girls' Secondary School field in Patuakhali.

Addressing the attendees, Babul said, "Remain vigilant. The conspiracies have not ended. Since the time of One-Eleven, plots have persisted. There's a fear that BNP will assume power if elections are held. Why should that be a problem? Power should only go to those chosen by the people's vote. We are not seeking power through midnight elections or manipulation. Let the people decide, and announce the election date without further delay."

Babul also criticized what he termed as ongoing political schemes and expressed readiness to combat authoritarian practices. He said, "We've witnessed traps and seen regimes like One-Eleven. We've endured the tyranny of autocrats but none match the current regime's excesses. If necessary, we will fight again, and this time, victory will be ours. We carry the spirit of Bangladesh in our hearts."

Reflecting on past struggles, he emphasized that August 5 marked a significant shift in history, though it brought only a regime change, not the realization of people's aspirations. "For 16 years, we've fought with immense sacrifices, risking our lives and enduring imprisonment. Many of our comrades have been lost forever. Despite this, conspiracies continue," he added.

Babul urged the crowd to remain vigilant and proactive. "You cannot stay complacent. The fight for the voting rights of Bangladesh�s people is far from over. Be prepared to take to the streets again if needed, to establish the people's right to vote."

Later in the day, the Dasmina Upazila Krishak Dal committee was announced at the party office. Md. Moniruzzaman Monir was named president, Shahidur Islam senior vice-president, Md. Harun Or Rashid general secretary, Shahabuddin joint general secretary, and Rafiqul Islam Hawlader organizational secretary. The district Krishak Dal leaders instructed the committee to form a 71-member full committee within the next 15 days.